Cornell vs. Ursinus College

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Ursinus College based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 1,502 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Ursinus College is in Collegeville, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ursinus College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Ursinus College 10:1.

Cornell vs. Ursinus College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or Ursinus College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cornell University than Ursinus College ($26,361 vs. $32,158).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ursinus College are 12.4% lower than at Cornell University ($17,028 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ursinus College (about $8,104 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $61,210.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Cornell than at Ursinus College (about $8,104 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $61,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ursinus College than at Cornell University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 38% larger than aid received by Ursinus College students ($61,779 vs. $44,754).

Cornell vs. Ursinus College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Ursinus College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ursinus College and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 250 points higher than at Ursinus College (1290).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Ursinus College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Ursinus College 1200/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; Ursinus College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Ursinus College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Ursinus College May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Ursinus College (3.53).
• Ursinus College has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 12.5% at Ursinus College.

Cornell vs. Ursinus College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Ursinus College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Ursinus College's (80%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $40,400 more per year than Ursinus College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Ursinus College graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ursinus College graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ursinus College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.